• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Make changes to accommodate your aging dog

Posted November 13, 2016

By Karen A. Soukiasian

Old black dog with white face. Aging dog needs changes to diet, daily walks.At first, you notice more grey around their muzzle. The eyes have lost that sparkle and appear to have sunk a bit deeper.

For most owners, the process begins with their dog appearing less interested in the activities they once thrived on. They are no longer interested in chasing a ball or Frisbee for what seemed to you, like hours! They hesitate before jumping into or out of the car. It takes a little longer for them to get to you when called.

Basic routines are becoming more strenuous. They have to go out more often or have “accidents” in the house. Walks are slower and shorter. They may begin to limp more. They get out of breath quicker. Their breathing, even when resting, is more labored. They are more prone to injuries.

You notice they now eat to live, rather than how they were jokingly known to live to eat. They have lost their taste for certain foods.

They appear to have lost their “sense of humor.” Some are less tolerant of other animals and children. They growl or retreat to a private space more often. They appear depressed.

There are a number of easy and inexpensive ways to help your dog pass through this critical stage of their life, with less pain and more dignity. They include:

First, take them to your veterinarian for a checkup and assessment of their current condition. Your vet may recommend supplements that will help relieve pain.

Get a ramp, so they can get into and out of the car on their own.

Raise their food and water bowl, so they do not have to bend down to far to eat or drink comfortably.

Change their diet. Their sense of smell may no longer be as keen. This often makes food seem less appealing or palatable.

If they are having problems with their teeth, switch to smaller kibbles or softer food.
Feed less, but more often.

Soak their food in salt-free broths.

If you allow your dog on the sofa or bed, there are “stairs” available in pet stores and online, to help them get up and down, without causing pain.

Get them a softer bed. Tile and wood floors are tough on their old bone.

Keep physically stressful activities short, but interesting and fun.

Have a short new adventure together every now and them. Go someplace different! Try something different. Many dog owners have found, the canine social interaction from joining a dog training class often piques their dog’s interest in life again.

Take them out more often. Give them more time to take care of “business.”

If they are losing their hearing, get a whistle, to get their attention.

If their vision is failing, they may be nervous about going outside alone in the dark. Keep them company…light up the yard, or carry a flashlight.

Be tolerant of “accidents.” They may not have the bladder or bowel control they once had. Don’t expect them to be able to “hold it” as long as they once could.

Keep the walks short, but do it more often.

Give them a private place to retreat to…and respect it.

If there are other dogs in the house, do not tolerate bullying. It often happens as a senior alpha dog transitions to a lower pack status.

Massage your dog, or have them professionally massaged. It makes a huge difference!

Be patient if they appear “needy.” They cannot explain it to you, but something physical may be happening, and they feel safer with you.

Expect less from them. Appreciate and praise any efforts they make. Positive reinforcement is an amazing motivator!

Bottom line: Your dog may no longer be what they once were. Nonetheless, that doesn’t change how much they love, respect, and need you. Make this ultimate stage of their life as vital as possible. Give them the dignity they have earned and deserve. You owe it to them.

Follow Karen A. Soukiasian on Facebook

Save

Related Posts

  • Woman cuddles her senior dog. Senior dogs require extra care.
    Caring for your senior dog

    Caring for senior dogs includes regular vet care, special attention…

  • To manage arthritis in dogs, veterinarians recommend controlling the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis with medication. This should also be accompanied by a suitable diet and exercise and supplements.
    Keep your senior dog active

    Create an exercise program that will keep your senior dog…

  • To manage arthritis in dogs, veterinarians recommend controlling the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis with medication. This should also be accompanied by a suitable diet and exercise and supplements.
    Help older dogs age gracefully

    Older dogs need extra care including special grooming and regular…

  • A terrific way to help your new dog bond with his older companion is to walk them together.
    Take steps to help older dog adjust when you add new dog

    Older dogs usually accept a new dog, but some struggle.…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Old dogs

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Separation anxietyPet parentsTicksVacation dog carePotty trainingPuppy-proofPoodleRottweilerWaterPet sitterSmall dogstraining tipsSocializationWorking dogsPawYorkshire terrierPomeranianOld dogsPuppy kindergartenRescue dogPandemicVeterinarianPetfinder.comTwo dogsSheddingThanksgivingOutdoor activitiesService dogsPit bullValentine's Day

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort: The ultimate guide for dog owners
    Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort is crucial for the well-being of your pet. This guide is for you if you want to achieve this balance. […]
  • The importance of a balanced diet for dogs: Why and how you should care
    Feed your dog a balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Ensure they get the right amounts to stay healthy. […]
  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.